Schools are supposed to be a safe space for children to learn and prepare for their life ahead, but for many, it is a place that is the root of their trauma. When a child is manipulated or threatened to perform sexual favors for a prolonged time, it is called sexual abuse. Abusers can be anyone: a trusted friend, a helpful senior, or even a favorite teacher.
When we hear of the music teacher sentenced to 30 years for sexual abuse, we are often shocked at the state of educational institutions. But we can never fathom the difficulties a survivor goes through. Once the surface of the pain is scratched, maybe we will be able to take the right steps to ensure the safety of our country’s future.
This blog delves into the various challenges a school sexual abuse survivor goes through.
Struggles a Survivor of School Sexual Abuse Might Have to Deal With
1. Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The first and most obvious effect of sexual abuse is trauma; this can be much graver if the victim of abuse is a child. Survivors of sexual abuse often face severe emotional and psychological trauma that can affect their lives. In the case of children, their minds are still developing, and a trauma of this depth can severely alter their minds and development.
Survivors could develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, etc. Even if they were never to go back to the same school, they would likely have constant flashbacks, nightmares, etc. Survivors also can tend to blame themselves, especially if the abuse was ignored or dismissed.
2. Difficulty in Education and Career
When a child is abused by someone they trust, especially if it is a figure of authority or just someone they put trust in school, the mental impact of it is very severe. Such trauma often leads to difficulties concentrating, avoiding school, and other academic problems. Some even opt to drop out as soon as possible, giving up on such an institution and many times, on themselves.
School sexual abuse can have long-term effects as not only does it affect the survivor’s academic success, but it also affects their career. Survivors often find it difficult to maintain a job due to stress or emotional triggers.
3. Relationship and Trust Issues
School sexual abusers are often people the child assumed could be trusted. This includes authority figures, seniors, friends, or even romantic partners. When such people deceive and break their trust, survivors develop trust issues.
Survivors could develop the fear of being manipulated or betrayed again, leading to them living a life of isolation. This might become an issue that stays lifelong, making it difficult for the survivor to find a new partner or engage in intimacy.
4. Legal and Institutional Challenges
The process of reporting school sexual abuse can be draining. The emotional and legal complications during such cases can be very challenging for the child and their family. On top of that, schools often try to deny, delay, or cover up the whole case to save face.
When such things happen, people often tend to lose faith in educational institutions, making it just another business. Survivors also might get pressured by other authority figures or from their peer group to stay silent about it. Others may also choose to keep quiet due to the fear of facing retaliation.
The Road to Healing and Support
The process of healing from such trauma is difficult, but every step made towards progress is a success worth celebrating. Survivors can try various options to determine which is best suited for their needs. Here are some methods that help survivors feel supported and move forward in life:
- Therapy and counseling can help sexual abuse survivors process trauma.
- Support groups can provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and connect with others.
- Legal action can empower sexual abuse survivors to seek justice for what had been done to them and prevent the abuser from hurting others.
- Public awareness in the form of seminars, ads, pamphlets, etc., can all be useful to spread awareness and prevent further abuse.
